Can We Have That?

By Don Posh

IndiGO

Data gathered from the last census shows a huge increase of age 65+ population in rural counties in Wisconsin. Baby Boomers are aging and retiring. An AARP poll shows 77 percent of seniors do not want to be in a nursing home. They want to age in place, in their own home. This brings up the caregiver shortage/crisis. This may not affect you at this moment, but it really doesn’t take much to find yourself in need of help. It can be a birth defect, an accident, a diagnosis or just time and wear and tear on our bodies. We elect our representation to solve problems. It appears this problem is ours not theirs.

Have you ever heard of a Home Care Cooperative? There are not many, but there is one in Wautoma WI. There are differences in the way a cooperative works. Employee ownership is a real game changer. When an employee is an owner they have a vested interest in the overall operation of the business. They put quality of care and quality of employment at the center of business decisions. This results in satisfied employees and a significantly lower turnover rate. That in turn has positive effects on the management and creates a better overall work environment which reflects in the quality of care. Can we have that?

Tune in for a live discussion of the home care coop, Thur. 10/12 8:30-9AM on WOJB 88.9 FM Streaming Live at wojb.org

Be Well…We’re All in This Together!

For more information on independent living contact: indiGO serving Douglas, Bayfield, Iron, Price, Sawyer, Washburn, and Burnett Counties including Tribal communities of Red Cliff, Bad River, La Courte Oreilles and St Croix.

Main office: 800-924-1220 V/TTY

Our non-profit agency, indiGO, aims to empower individuals

living with disabilities and we are available to assist ALL ages and

disabilities. We are not a vendor and do not sell any products,

but we are here as a resource.